No matter what the age of a 4-H member is, 4-H Camp is the highlight of their summer. Cloverbuds can experience 4-H camp, too!
Camps for Cloverbuds can take place in a variety of settings. Fairgrounds, parks, etc. may be utilized when planning your Cloverbud Camp. Be sure that the facility will provide a safe and welcoming environment for your campers. There should be enough space for campers to utilize their large motor skills in addition to being able to accommodate small group activities.
When planning 4-H camp for Cloverbuds, keep in mind their developmental needs and be sure that activities are age-appropriate. Programs should be activity based and include a variety of short-term experiences. Remember that Cloverbud activities should be noncompetitive and foster cooperative learning with participants. Most importantly, activities should be safe and fun!
Whether you offer a day camp of one day or a series of days, or an overnight camp, be sure that you have the appropriate number of approved volunteers. Required staffing patterns for a Cloverbud overnight camp is a minimum of one approved volunteer per five campers. For Cloverbud Day Camps, the ratio is one approved volunteer per six campers. A minimum of 80% of approved camp volunteers must be 18 years of age or older as of the first day of camp.
Make your 4-H Cloverbud Camp fun! Come up with a creative theme and design your activities around that theme. For example, a camp with the theme of “Nocturnal Nature” might feature activities related to animals that are active at night (bats, raccoons, etc). “Explore the Outdoors” might feature activities related to trees, flowers, or animals. STEM activities might be featured at a camp with the theme of “Wacky World of Science”.
Check with your OSU Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development for policies and guidelines that apply specifically to Cloverbud Camp. They can help you to plan a safe and effective camp for your Cloverbuds.